Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Adam Hughes and Jason Fabok
Published by DC Comics
The opening splash page of this book made me jump out of my seat!
It’s so well drawn by Adam Hughes and just wows.
I’m already a huge fan of this book. Bendis has taken Superman and has outdone what any of us were expecting. This is certainly a classic in the making!
That opening image is of Rogol Zaar’s eye as he in looking in on the City of Kandor before he destroys it. It’s ominous and horrifying and sets a hell of a tone for the book. The rest of the issue follows suit and is quite excellent.
By destroying Kandor, Bendis has given Clark something he sometimes lacks: Some real stakes. He pulls Zaar into outer space to fight after that opening image and it’s quite the slugfest.
Bendis is operating on all cylinders here. And quite honesty? So is Hughes.
The brawl between the two is excellent. We usually don’t get to see Hughes draw a big fight, so it’s even more exhilarating that he pulls it off so well. He also pulls off the emotions of the characters.
The anguish on Clark’s face as illustrated by Hughes is astonishing. It’s high drama and with Hughes drawing this, it packs a wallop. We also get to see Hughes handle the Justice League. Though he’s drawn them before, this time it seems fresh.
Bendis does a great job again with Clark coming up with a strategy for fighting Zaar. He realized that Zaar is a formidable foe that he can’t fight directly. Bendis smartly and deftly makes the whole adventure thrilling and awe-inspiring.
The ending is just awesome. It’s a splash page for the end but man, what a splash page. It perfectly sets up the last issue. Can Bendis pull off a classic? Right now, all signs point to yes.
RATING: A
